Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah addressed the Vitasta Mahotsav organized by the Ministry of Culture as the chief guest in Srinagar on June 23, 2023.
- The objective of Vitasta Mahotsav is to acquaint the whole country with the great cultural heritage, diversity and uniqueness of Kashmir.
- The festival focuses on the folk beliefs associated with the Vitasta (Jhelum) river, which has been considered very sacred since Vedic times.
- This river finds mention in many ancient texts like Neelmat Purana, Vitasta Mahamaya, Harcharita Chintamani, Rajatarangini and it is believed that the pure currents of this revered river destroy all the evils of human nature.
About River Jhelum
- River Jhelum, a major tributary out of five major tributaries viz. Satluj, Beas, Ravi Chenab and Jhelum which are ultimately merging with river Indus in Pakistan is the west flowing river.
- The Jhelum (Vyeth in Kashmiri, Vetesta in Sanskrit and Hydaspes in Greek) is the main waterway of the Kashmir valley.
- Jhelum river originates from a magnificent spring called “Chashma Verinag” situated at the foot hills accommodating Banihal pass in the south eastern corner of the Kashmir Valley .
- The Kuti and Brahmasakal are the highest peaks at 4675 mts. in elevation in the basin.
- Lidder a biggest river of all the effluents that forms the head waters of river Jhelum and is fed by a number of glaciers from the high ranges, joins on its right flank at 2 km.
